Brace for worse times, Opposition chiefs warn
By Samuel Kariuki, February 23, 2024
Economic hardships are expected to worsen if the Kenya Kwanza administration implements proposals, policies, and strategies contained in the 2024 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), Azimio la Umoja One Kenya alliance has warned.
Terming the proposals unachievable, Azimio said Kenyans must be ready to tighten their belts as the government is planning to introduce a second wave of taxes and in some instances.
“We must forewarn Kenyans that as we predicted, the BPS is confirming the tax burden is set to increase drastically. To the ordinary Kenyans, the mama mboga, boda boda riders and the people of mjengo, this regime is coming again with a double taxation plan with increased taxes of approximately Sh27,000 per adult Kenyan. It is proposing advance tax on goods and services supplied to government, VAT on educational services which means an increase in school fees and tax on agricultural produce,” Azimio said in a statement read by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
He was accompanied by National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi, his former Murang’a counterpart Mwangi Wa Iria, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa and Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah.
Painful year
Kalonzo said the BPS does not meet the constitutional and Public Finance Management Act provisions adding that they will reject any further taxation imposed in the name of economic transformation.
“One and half years later, all indicators point to the fact that life is deteriorating not improving. The cost of life remains high as the cost of every basic items continues to go up. We are staring at the second disastrous and painful year under Kenya Kwanza.”
“We believe that Kenyans have been hurting for a prolonged period of time. The Budget Policy Statement is meant to prolong and worsen the suffering by Kenyans,” Kalonzo said.